Bears' President Kevin Warren Set to Host Community Meeting in Arlington Heights

Warren will collaborate with the local coalition, Touchdown Arlington, for a conversation about the potential transformation of Arlington Park in the northwest suburb.

Touchdown Arlington, as per an issued statement, represents a grassroots alliance comprising community figureheads and business owners. Their collective mission is to advocate for the permanent relocation of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights.

This crucial gathering is slated for Monday evening.

This assembly comes in the wake of the initiation of demolition at Arlington Park. However, it also aligns with Warren and the Bears' exploration of alternatives to Arlington Heights, triggered by a taxation issue.

The team, earlier this month, clarified that "the demolition does not signify a guaranteed property development."

Although the Bears have already commenced interior demolition at Arlington Park and procured permission for exterior demolition, the village of Arlington Heights has confirmed the approval of permits for the second phase. This phase encompasses the demolition of external structures, such as the grandstands at the park, and is projected to span several months.

"Demolition will unfold in stages over several months, and detonation won't be employed," the village declared. The anticipation is for the demolition to conclude by December 2023, leading to increased truck traffic in the vicinity. Meanwhile, security will maintain round-the-clock surveillance of the property.

In an unexpected development earlier this month, the Bears announced that their Arlington Heights stadium plans were "at risk" due to a property tax dispute.

The triennial reassessment saw a significant discrepancy in property valuations. While the Bears evaluated the land around $33 million, Assessor Fritz Kaegi's office placed the value at $197 million. This proposed valuation could burden the Bears with a hefty annual tax bill of approximately $16 million.

As a consequence, the Bears have confirmed that Arlington Heights is no longer their exclusive focal point.

Other suburbs, including Waukegan and Naperville, have shown interest in enticing the team to their cities.

Following the news about the Bears' explorations, the village of Arlington Heights issued a statement, acknowledging the team's due diligence process in examining all feasible locations.

The village proceeded to highlight the advantages of the Arlington Park site, including its dedicated Metra station, proximity to O'Hare Airport, and convenient access to Interstate 90 and Route 53.

"The Chicago Bears Football Club evidently recognizes the unique potential of this site, as demonstrated by their recent acquisition of the property," the statement continued. "The Village is committed to collaborating with the club and other regional stakeholders to continue investigating the potential redevelopment of this site and addressing the inevitable challenges inherent in any substantial development endeavor."